Vocabulary

Week 1
alcove - a small room opening into a larger room
hassock - a think cushion used for kneeling
podiatrist - foot doctor
nape - the back of the neck
putrid - bad smell; stink
pyrotechnic - expert at fireworks
scrutiny - careful examination for study
eccentric - odd or unusual behavior
jaunty - happy or carefree
wafted - to drift through the air or water

Week 2
pretentious - making unjustified claims or demands
incriminating - to accuse of or present proof of a crime
filigree - delicate ornamental work of fine metal
prattle - talk foolishly
coiffure - a way of arranging hair; hairstyle
larcenist - a person who steals
paraphernalia - equipment apparatus or furnishing used for an activity
bodice - a girdle; fitted upper part of a dress
obsequious - overly willing to serve
trousseau - clothes for marriage

Week 3
smirk - smile in an annoying or offensive manner
guffaw - a loud unrestrained burst of laughter
amnesia - loss of memory due to brain injury
despondent - feeling or showing profound hopelessness; not working
incriminate - accuse of committing a crime
culled - to choose
confer - to consult together or compare opinions
malady - ailment
penance - a punishment undergone for sin; self-denial
wince - to draw back or tense up; grimace

Week 4
derelict - deserted and run down
appellate - having legal powers to hear appeals
pompous - full of oneself
null - having no legal force
culprit - a person guilty of fault or crime
dastardly - cowardly
benefactor - person who gives financial aid
bequeath - to leave or give by will
turret - a small tower
abacus - a computer device with parallel rods and sliding beads